COACHING staff were quick to praise the defensive efforts of veteran Jennifer Lew, despite the VFLW Blues’ 36-point loss to Casey at Ikon Park over the weekend.

In what was a low-scoring afternoon for the Blues, Lew reflected on the positive signs that could be taken from the game when speaking to Carlton Media post-match. 

“There were definitely passages of play where we saw glimpses of how we want to perform,” Lew said.

“We really hunted, we really competed and if we keep working on those passages of play, the ones we want will occur more and more as the season goes on.

Spending the majority of the game at half-back before a spell in the midfield late in the match, Lew showed her love for the contest by continuously putting her body on the line in an attempt to spoil Casey’s attack.

“After every first game you wake up the next day and think ‘oh geez, a truck has hit me!’, but I like to get amongst it, so I’d rather be sore than feel I didn’t do enough,” she said.

Being a veteran among her younger teammates, Lew once again proved why her seniority and leadership is an asset to the side.

“As a part of my role as vice-captain I want to lead on the field and share my experience and knowledge with the girls,” the 35-year-old said. 

“I want to lift people up.”

With the opening round of the VFLW season completed, Lew immediately turned her attention to Carlton’s next encounter, stating “the only way is up”.

“There were a few times today where we had to be a bit cleaner with ground balls and understand that sometimes it’s better to hold it up rather than pop it up to a 50/50 contest, but I think that comes with experience and learning to play with each other in time,” she said.

“We need to stop, swivel our heads, and find the right target, whereas today we were a bit too fumbly.”